General Info:
SURE-GRIP International, previously known as SURE-GRIP Skate Company, was founded in 1936 by John L. Wintz. SURE-GRIP was first known for its rubber inlay wheel it invented for conventional rollerskates in 1937. The wheels were manufactured from gear fiber called phenolic, a common material used in the electrical and mechanical industry where an insulating material or abrasion resistant is needed. The fibre gave the wheels long wear and the rubber inlays gave them grip. It revolutionized the skating industry by replacing the often slippery wooden wheels. Therefore, SURE-GRIP became an appropriate name for the company and the wheel as it literally gave the user a "Sure Grip." The wheels were so successful that it gave the company its introduction into an industry in which it would later prove to become an innovative leader. SURE-GRIP was also a tool and die shop ; having many tools and machines, experiments were part of the daily routine. In 1945, the first SURE-GRIP skate was manufactured. This skate was a far cry from the many models that we have today. Then came a long line of innovations in design and engineering, such as the use of light aluminum alloys. SURE-GRIP became a leader in the research and development of new materials and alloys to not only continuously improve its products, but to also bring the public the finest quality products at a reasonable price. You will not find a better roller skate plate than a SURE-GRIP skate plate, guaranteed. In 1947, SURE-GRIP came out with the "Double Action" skate which improved the handling of its skates dramatically. By introducing the large rubber cushion and rubber pivot insert concept for use in the skate trucks skaters gained a lot of maneuverability and better turning capability. This rubber cushion system is still used in SURE-GRIP skates today along with a few improvements along the way. Also in that same year, SURE-GRIP introduced light weight aluminum plates, which led to the development of the toe-stop, which not only allows one to stop, but compete creatively as well. To this day all Sure-Grip plates are manufactured in this country. In the middle to late 1970s, SURE-GRIP saw a dramatic change in the skating industry. The country was turning to leisure time activities and roller skating was becoming a large part of those activities. This was when SURE-GRIP introduced, for the first time in the history of skating, an outdoor skate that was mounted on a running shoe. SURE-GRIP called this skate the "Jogger."